24 Jul Weed Wednesday – Yellow Toadflax
Yellow Toadflax (Linara vulgaris)
This noxious (MUST be controlled) weed can flower much earlier in the year but is often noticed in Special Areas around this time of year. While sometimes mistaken for a snap dragon (check your “wildflower mixes”), this perennial is a fierce competitor reproducing both from seed and creeping rhizomes (2 to 3-week-old seedlings can already reproduce via these creeping roots!). This species is often found on crop field edges and pasture, forming very dense colonies, crowding out desired vegetation.
Control of these dense patches is very difficult- prevention is key!
Hand-pulling is only effective where soils are loose, and roots can easily be removed. Repeated mowing can also starve out the roots, however it must be done before flowering and care must be taken to sanitize equipment. Herbicide control is often recommended.
For more information on Yellow Toadflax, go to https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.67/yjc.cc8.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/N_FS-CommonToadflax.pdf?time=1617028665
See a noxious weed? Contact your local Ag. Fieldman as we may be able to help you with control.
